Escape to Paradise: Wangintara Resort, Phitsanulok's Hidden Gem
Wangintara Resort: My Phitsanulok Paradise (and a Few Hiccups Along the Way!) - A Real Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Wangintara Resort in Phitsanulok. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs, I'm serving you the raw, honest, slightly chaotic truth. This place…well, let's just say it's a journey.
Accessibility: The Good, The Potentially Clunky
Right off the bat, I need to be clear: accessibility is listed as a bullet point, but not a guarantee. If you require full wheelchair accessibility, I'd recommend calling the hotel directly before booking. They do have facilities for disabled guests, but I’m not an expert on what that means. However, the elevator is a godsend for the higher floors!
Getting There, Getting Around (and Praying for the Best)
Okay, so how do you actually get to this "hidden gem"? Accessibility: They offer airport transfer, which is clutch. Car parking is free and on-site (thank the heavens!), and even has a car power charging station. They also have taxi service if you need it. My tip? Don't rely on grab service there, its way less common than elsewhere.
The Rooms: A Sanctuary? Mostly…
Okay, let's talk rooms. Mine had air conditioning, hallelujah! Plus a desk, safe, hair dryer, complimentary tea, and free water. The Wi-Fi [free] was my lifeline (and a major selling point), though I did have a few moments of buffering despair. The blackout curtains were an absolute dream. So, overall? Pretty solid. The linens were clean, and the shower was hot. The slippers? Now we're talking luxury!
The Hiccups:
- Minor gripe: The soundproofing wasn't perfect. I swear, I heard a rooster at 5 AM every morning. (Seriously, maybe bring earplugs.)
- Major win: my room had complimentary tea and a window that opened to fresh air!
Dining, Drinking, & Surviving the Buffet
This is where things get… interesting. The restaurants are plentiful: Asian, International, and Vegetarian options. They offer breakfast [buffet] and a la carte options. I, being a buffet enthusiast, went for the breakfast. The Asian breakfast was amazing, but I had to try the Western breakfast one day. I regretted it instantly. But there's a coffee shop, a poolside bar and the service is wonderful, but not so quick, so it takes practice to stay calm. They really do try to make sure you have everything, so I will take that over speed.
The buffet: it was good. Some stuff was cold, some was hot, some was…lukewarm. It's a buffet. You win some, you lose some. There were fresh fruits, yummy pastries, and a whole lot of choices. They even provided Alternative meal arrangement and a Room service [24-hour]. The best of all is the bottle of water. That saved my life.
Relaxation & Rejuvenation: Spa Day (and Maybe a Little Awkwardness)
Okay, here's where Wangintara truly shines. The spa is a haven. They have a pool with a view, a sauna, a steamroom, a spa/sauna, and a swimming pool [outdoor]. I indulged in a massage and a foot bath. Pure bliss!
Now, let's talk about the fitness center. It's there. And that's all I'm going to say.
The Body scrub and Body wrap I didn't try, but the therapist told me that everything will become softer.
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind?
During these…uncertain times, you want to know if a place is taking things seriously. Wangintara gets some points here: Anti-viral cleaning products are used. Plus, they use Hot water linen and laundry washing. Individually-wrapped food options are available. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Staff trained in safety protocol, absolutely. They have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit.
The Quirky Side of Things:
- Shrine: Yes, there’s a shrine. Embrace the culture!
- That Soundproof Room: Seriously, the rooster is still traumatizing me.
- The Pool Side Bar: Perfect place for a cocktail and a daydreaming session.
For the Kids (and the Rest of the Family):
Family/child friendly is definitely a check. Babysitting service is available.
Services and Conveniences: The “Nice-to-Haves”
They offer all the regular suspects: Daily housekeeping, concierge, laundry service, currency exchange, etc. I'm a sucker for a complimentary bottle of water.
So, Is Wangintara Resort Phitsanulok’s Hidden Gem?
Yes…with caveats. It's not perfect, but it is charming. If you appreciate a beautiful setting, a relaxing spa, and staff eager to please, you'll be happy here. If you’re very particular, or high-maintenance, temper your expectations.
My Offer: Escape to Your Own Paradise!
Tired of the same old humdrum? Craving an escape? Book your stay at Wangintara Resort, Phitsanulok’s hidden gem, and experience:
- Serene Spa Sanctuary: Melt away stress with a rejuvenating massage, footbath, and soak up the sun by the pool.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in authentic Asian and international cuisine.
- Unplug and Reconnect: Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms.
- Unforgettable Moments: Explore local culture, relax in a well-appointed room, and create memories.
Book your stay now and receive: Limited promo codes are available on our website.
Don't wait! Paradise awaits! (And maybe bring those earplugs.)
Escape to Paradise: Hotel San Francisco's Chilean Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Wangintara Wannabe-Wanderer's Itinerary (and Potential Mishaps!) This isn't some perfectly curated Instagram feed, folks. This is the real, sweaty, slightly-hungover deal. My expectations? They're high. My organizational skills? Let's just say "flexible."
Day 1: Arrival and Immediate Bliss (Followed by a Mild Panic)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Phitsanulok Airport. Smooth flight (thank god, I hate turbulence). Baggage claim… also smooth. Now, the real test: finding a taxi to Wangintara Resort. Praying I haven't accidentally booked a place in, like, a deserted rice paddy.
- 1:45 PM: Taxi ride. The driver seems to think he's in a Formula 1 race, but hey, I'm not complaining. The scenery whizzing by is stunning - lush green fields, temples glimpsed in the distance. This is Thailand, baby!
- 2:30 PM: ARRIVAL! Wangintara Resort. Holy moly. It's even more gorgeous than the pictures. That lobby - all polished wood and fragrant flowers - just slapped my senses awake. I'm officially in vacation mode. Check-in is a breeze - charming staff, even though I'm pretty sure I forgot to brush my teeth this morning.
- 3:00 PM: Room exploration. My little villa is… perfect. Huge bed, balcony overlooking a shimmering lake, and a bathroom that's practically a spa. I mean, I'm not sure I need a soaking tub this huge, but I'm not going to say no.
- 3:30 PM: The Great Pool Crisis (and Redemption!) This is where things get interesting. I stride confidently towards the pool, envisioning myself gracefully gliding through the water like a graceful, tanned mermaid. But… the water is freezing. Absolutely, bone-chillingly freezing. My initial reaction? Utter despair. Followed by a childish pout. Then, I decide to be more resilient. I plunge in (screaming internally). A few minutes later I'm more or less acclimatised, and I'm floating like a happy log. The sun is warm on my skin, the water no longer feels artic-like, and all is right with the world.
- 5:00 PM: Sunset cocktails at the resort bar. My first Singha beer in Thailand - heaven. Watching the sun paint the sky in vibrant hues with an easy smile, like I was in love with the earth. Feeling incredibly grateful for this escape.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the resort restaurant. Delicious Thai food. I accidentally order something with WAY too much chili (my fault for not paying attention to the little pepper symbol!), and spend the next ten minutes fanning myself and chugging water. Note to self: learn the Thai words for "not spicy."
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Exhausted, blissed out, slightly full of chili. Perfect.
Day 2: Temples, Troubles, and Tiger Balm Triumph!
- 8:00 AM: Woke up to birds tweeting and glorious sunshine. Breakfast: Mango sticky rice. Oh. My. God. I'm pretty sure this is what paradise tastes like.
- 9:00 AM: Explore Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat Woramahawihan (Wat Yai). This temple is seriously impressive. The golden Buddha statue is just… wow. Trying (and failing) to look reverent while battling the overwhelming urge to take a million pictures.
- 10:00 AM: The Temple Trek Trauma: It's hot out here. Really, really hot. The sun is pounding down on my head. I forgot my hat. I'm starting to feel a bit queasy. The crowds of tourists are getting to me. A young girl, maybe 8 years of age, spots me wobbling a little bit and offers me a bottle of cool water. Bless her heart. The warmth of her gesture melts my heart, and I push down the heat-induced grumbles.
- 11:00 AM: Back to the resort to recover. The pool is calling!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch by the pool. Ordered Pad Thai. More deliciousness.
- 1:00 PM: Pool time! Pure, unadulterated relaxation. I discover a secret: floating on your back and looking at the fluffy white clouds above is the ultimate form of self-care.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Mosquito Massacre and Tiger Balm Triumph: The mosquitos are out in force. My ankles are starting to resemble pin cushions. Disaster! Thank goodness for the tiger balm I brought. Hours later, the itchy bites are still there, but at least they are not getting worse.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Stumbled into a great local restaurant. So much better than the resort food.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. More tired but with an even fuller heart.
Day 3: Farewell Wangintara, Hello…Wherever!
- 8:00 AM: Last delicious breakfast. I swear, I could eat mango sticky rice three times a day for the rest of my life.
- 9:00 AM: Some final chill-out time at the pool, soaking up the last moments of peace.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. Saying goodbye to the staff – who feel like old friends now.
- 11:00 AM: Arrange transportation to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Departure. Feeling a little sad to leave this oasis, but also incredibly refreshed and ready to face the world (or, you know, whatever comes next in my travel plans).
- 12:30 PM: Post-Vacation Blues. This wasn't perfect. It was real life. The heat, the bugs, the moments of pure, unadulterated stress. So what? I've still had one of the best holidays of my life.
Post Script:
Okay, so that's the rough draft. I bet I'll end up completely changing things on the fly. Maybe I'll get lost. Maybe I'll eat something that doesn't agree with me (again!). But hey, that's the fun of it, right? This trip won't be perfect, but it will be an education. And if nothing else, I'll have plenty of stories to tell when I get home. Wish me luck!
Da Nang's Neo Classic Condo: Unbelievable Ocean Views & Luxury Await!
Escape to Paradise: Wangintara Resort – Ask Me Anything (Seriously, I’ve Been There)
Okay, "Paradise"... Is it REALLY Paradise, or Just Another Instagram Trap?
Alright, let's be real. Instagram lies. Period. And sometimes, Wangintara… well, it’s a *different* kind of paradise. It's not the perfectly manicured, airbrushed paradise you see plastered all over your feed. It's a bit… messier. And honestly? That's what makes it charming.
Picture this: you're driving, and you suddenly doubt every life choice that led you to a remote corner of Phitsanulok. Then, BAM! You round a bend, and those lush green hills of Wangintara are staring you down. The air smells of… well, clean air, mostly. And maybe a tiny bit of woodsmoke from someone’s backyard cooking? That’s a good thing.
Is it perfect? Nope. Saw a slightly wonky gazebo, a few random leaf-blowers at 7 AM (major buzzkill, I'm telling you). But the overall vibe? Chill. Like, aggressively chill. You're not packed in like sardines, the staff is genuinely nice (not just "customer service nice"), and the views? They actually are Insta-worthy, even if you don't filter the life out of them. Seriously, bring your phone, but consider leaving it in airplane mode. You'll thank me.
The Pool! Tell Me About the Pool! Is It... Clean?
Okay, the pool. This is where I almost lost my mind in a good way. The view from the pool? Unbelievable. Mountains, rice paddies, the whole shebang. Water? Sparkling. And not the aggressively chlorinated kind that makes your eyes water. It was pure bliss, and I'm not even a huge pool person.
Here's the thing, though. I'm a bit of a germaphobe. I admit it. So, I was *watching* that pool for the first few minutes. Did anyone's kids... you know… splash a little too enthusiastically? (Thankfully, no.) Were there leaves? (A few. Nature, you know?) But overall? Impeccably maintained. Relax, people! You'll survive. And you'll probably want to spend the entire afternoon there.
Are the Rooms Actually Comfortable? Because I NEED a Good Bed.
Okay, the beds. This is a deal-breaker for me. I'm a princess when it comes to sleep. And the beds at Wangintara? Pretty darn good. Like, I actually slept. *Gasp!* I'm used to tossing and turning, counting sheep I don't even like. But the beds? Firm enough, but with those fluffy pillows that are just begging you to sink in.
The rooms are spacious, the AC works (a must in Thailand!), and the bathrooms are… well, they're functional. Nothing fancy. But clean! Always a win. I wouldn't say they're *luxurious*, but they’re definitely comfortable and well-maintained. Plus, a decent balcony is a serious bonus, especially with those views. I sat out there with a coffee (mediocre coffee, but hey...) and watched the sunrise. Couldn't complain.
What's the Food Like? 'Cause I Live to Eat.
Okay, let's talk food. The in-house restaurant is decent. Don't go in expecting Michelin stars, but you won't starve. Breakfast is (included) is your standard Thai fare (rice soup, eggs, maybe some fruit). I'm a sucker for a good classic Pad Thai, and Wangintara's version was pretty darn satisfying. And honestly, after a day of exploring, I was happy not to have to leave the resort. Comfort food, decent prices, and a relaxed atmosphere – can’t really beat it.
The best part? You can eat your meals with that view! Honestly, it’s a pretty good back drop, if you ask me. I remember eating a burger while staring out at those mountains, and I felt pretty darn content with life. Though, I did wish I had a side of fries. I'm not going to lie, that was a minor disappointment. They don’t have everything, it's local, but still good.
Is There Anything to DO Besides Swim and Stare at Mountains? I Get Bored Easily.
Okay, this is where it gets fun. Yes, there's stuff to do! Or maybe not… It depends on what you consider "stuff." If you require constant entertainment, this might not be the place for you. But if you're up for a bit of adventure, there are possibilities!
They have bikes (maybe rent those and explore!), you can arrange for a massage (worth it, by the way), and I heard whispers of hiking nearby. I did a *bit* of exploring around the resort. Don't expect a bustling nightlife, but there's enough to keep you occupied if you want to get out and about. Plus, Phitsanulok itself is a short taxi ride away, and you've got the temples, the markets – all the stuff you'd expect. Wangintara is a good base camp if you want to see other stuff.
The Best Thing About Wangintara?
Here it comes, my personal opinion. The best thing? The quiet. The utter, glorious, welcome *quiet*. No blaring music, no constant hustle and bustle, just the gentle sounds of nature and the occasional happy chatter. I mean, it sounds cheesy, but it's the truth. I went there to escape, and honestly, I *escaped*.
I remember one evening, just sitting on my balcony, watching the sunset paint the mountains every color imaginable. It was… perfect. Not perfectly manicured. Not perfectly filtered. Just perfectly… *me.* And you know what? Sometimes, that's all you need.
The WORST Thing About Wangintara? (Be Honest!)
Okay, okay, I'll be real. The worst thing? The location. It's a bit of a trek to get there. Driving there takes a while. The roads can be a *tad* bumpy. And if you're relying on public transport, well, good luck. Plan ahead, and be patient.
And, I'm picky. Did I mention the slightly mediocre coffee? I’m from Seattle, I can’t help myself. But I'm being a bit of a whiner now, right? I’d still go back. The good far outweighs the badSnooze And Stay
